of the lad if it
were possible."

"Are none of the fishermen's boats better fitted for the purpose?" asked
Mr Tremayne. "I will give twenty-five pounds to the boat which saves
the lad. Surely if so small a boat as his can live, a large
fishing-boat would run but comparatively little risk."

The officer explained that the danger would be incurred in passing
through the breakers, and that once outside, although the sea was very
heavy, a boat properly handled would keep afloat.

"I have," he added, "sent to a little harbour to the north of this, but
the boats there are small, and I doubt whether any of the fishermen will
venture so near the breakers as that boat has brought up. I will,
however, send again with your generous offer, though some time must
elapse before a boat can be got ready, even if a crew can be found
willing to risk their lives in the service."

"I will go myself to urge them to undertake it if you can devise no
other means of saving the lad," said Mr Tremayne.

"The distance is considerable, and it will be night before you can reach
the place," answered the officer. "I would advise you, sir, not to make
the attempt. They will trust to my promise, as I will send one of my
own men."

"Tell them you will give them twenty-five pounds if they will start at
once," exclaimed Mrs Tremayne, eagerly; "surely men will not stand
calmly by and allow the poor boy to perish in their sight."

"I will do as you wish," answered the officer.

Just as they were speaking, however, there was a cry from those looking
on.

"He has cut his cable--he has hoisted his sail--he is going to venture
it," exclaimed several people simultaneously.

The boat's head was turned towards the shore. Onward she came. Now she
rose to the summit of a huge wave, now plunged downwards. For an
instant the sail flapped, becalmed by another sea which rolled up
astern.

A cry escaped the spectators: "She will be swamped! she will be
swamped!"

But no; again the sail filled and on she came. The young boy was seen
seated in the stern of his boat grasping the tiller with one hand and
the main-sheet with the other. Over she heeled to the blast--again she
rose, and again sunk down, and now she was among the hissing, roaring,
foaming breakers. The waters bubbled up, tumbling into her on either
side; but still the boy held firm hold of his tiller. Again the sail
flapped--there was a sudden lull.

"She is lost, she is lost!" was